Spinning frame fluid operated control means



May 2, 96? 1 .w..PRAY ETAL 3,317,147

SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEANS Filed OC. 8, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet l 2, 1967 L w. PRAY ETAL SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEANS 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed OCL. 8, 1964 May 2, w67 1 w. PRAY ETAL 3,317,147

SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEAND Filed Oct. 8, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 2, w67 1 W. PRAY ETAL SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEANS 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 8, 1964 May 2, 1967 v L. w. PRAY ETAL 3,317,147

SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATEU CONTROL MEANS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed OC. 8, 1964 cfg- May 2, w57 l.. W. PRAY ETAL SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEANS 8 Sheets-Sheet E Filed Oct. 8,. 1964 ay 2, w57 L.. W. PRAY ETAL 3,317,147

SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEANS Filed Oct. s, 1964 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 L. W. PRAY ETAL SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED CONTROL MEANS May 2, 1967 Filed Oct. S, 1964 Z//f vw MJ @go- Zan-z. 0%2

an L m l I i i/ zu 4 i g m I 7'r United States Patent O 3,317,147 SPINNING FRAME FLUID OPERATED f CONTROL MEANS Lester W. Pray and Gordon C. Anderson, Clemson, Herman D. Sheron, Seneca, and William H. Drake, Clemson, S.C., assgnors to Maremont Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Oct. 8, 1964, Ser. No. 402,384 16 Claims. (Cl. 242-Z6.4)

The invention relates to textile fiber spinning and twisting frames and the like, having yarn guiding and winding elements which are vertically traversed with relation to bobbin supporting spindles in accordance with a rising builder pattern, and more particularly to uid mechanisms on such frames and control means therefor for operating such yarn guiding and winding elements at the conclusion and initiation4 of bobbin winding, for replacement of full with empty `bobbins as well as for other purposes.

With the introduction of apparatus for automatically dofng full bobbins from spinning and twisting frames and replacing them with empty bobbins, there has been a need for a spinning and twisting frame which will automatically ready its yarn guiding and winding elements and then stop them for removal of the full bobbins and have the ability to restart after replacement of the full bobbins with empty ones without the necessity of starting the winding operation of any of the individual yarns by piecing up.

In addition, there has also been a need for operating the spinning or twisting frame at the conclusion of the winding cycle to produce a bobbin tip wind if the full bobbin are to be used in automatic rewinding equipment, such being accomplished by raising the spinning rings to an unusually high position vfor a time suicient to add a few turns of yarn to the upper tip of the bobbin before lowering the spindle rings for spindle bottom winding and doing.

Although spinning and twisting frames have been described as havingone or more of the above described functions, they have in general been deficient in several respects, principally in their inability to restart without breaking an undue number of yarn ends, making extensive piecing up necessary, but also in their mechanical complexity, making them diicult to manufacture and to keep running in production.

vAccordingly, it is a major object of the present invention to provide a novel fluid operating system for a spinning or twisting frame or the like having a fully automatic bobbin replacement sycle, with bobbin tip wind if desired, providing a system highly simplified over heretofore known frames.

It is another object of the invention to provide in such a frame, novel uid mechanism for lowering the balloon control rings relatively to the spinning rings for full bobbin removal, useful in manually operated as well as automatically Voperated frames,

It is still another object of the invention to provide novel iiuid mechanism for automatically moving the thread guides to an out' of theway position for full bobbin removal.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a novel mechanism having a hydraulic actuator for automatic bobbin tip winding and resetting therefrom.

It is still further object of the invention to provide a novel uid jogging system for rapidly reciprocating over a limited distance and time the spinning rings relatively to the empty Ibobbins upon restarting of the frame.

In general, the invention accomplishes these and other objects automatically by the use of iluid actuators and ice their controls by raising the spinning rings to a tip winding position, if such be desired, followed by lowering the spining rings beyond their usual bottom winding position to wind a few turns of yarn around the bottom of the spindles beyond the lower ends of the bobbins for restarting the winding on an empty bobbin, and, for bobbin clearance, lowering the balloon control rings as Well to a position close to the lowered spinning rings and preferably moving the thread guides to `a position clear of the bobbins so that they may be readily removed. Upon restarting with empty bobbins, the spinning rings, balloon control rings and thread guides are automatically restored to their starting positions Iby said fluid actuators and controls. The spindle bottom wind permits bobbin Winding to begin without piecing up, and the additional use of a rapidly traversing jogging of the spinning rings and bobbins aids to a substantial degree in reducing yarn breakage during restarting, these general functions, but not the fluid actuator and control system of the present invention, lbeing disclosed in U. S. patent application Ser. No. 310,109, filed Sept. 19, 1963, now Patent No. 3,231,209. dated January 25, 1966, and of common assignee with the present application.

For the purpose of more fully explaining the above and further objects and features of the present invention, reference vis now made to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a spinning frame embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side section of the windlass portion of the frame of FIG, 1 including the electrical switch mechanism operated thereby;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are detail views of the switch mechanism of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are cross sections of the windlass of FIG. 2 taken on the lines 5 5 thereof;

FIG. 8 is a side section of the pick mechanism portion of the frame of FIG. 1 including the hydraulic clutch thereof;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross sections of the pick mechanism of FIG. 8, taken on the lines 9 9 and 10-10 thereof;

FIGS. 11a, b and c comprise a sequence diagram illustrating the complete sequence of operation of the yarn guiding and winding elements of the frame of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 12 through 20 illustrate the hydraulic circuit of the frame of FIG. 1 throughout its complete sequence of operation; and

FIG. 21 is an electrical circuit diagram of the frame of FIG. l.

GENERAL As shown in the drawings, especially in regard to the overall schematic showing of FIG. l, the invention is herein disclosed as embodied in a spinning frame which may be of the type generally shown in Patent No. 2,770,093, for example, consisting of an elongated frame structure having at each side thereof vertical posts 20 extending upwardly from duplicate fixed spindle rails 22 on which are mounted a series of spindles 23 on which bobbins 24 are carried. A main frame motor 25 (FIG. 21) is provided for drivin-g spindles 23 in the usual manner. The spindles together with their drive mechanism are well known and form specifically no part of the present invention, and need not be further described.

The movable yarn traversing, guiding and control elements by means of which the yarns are guided for winding on the bobbins on the spindles comprise, associated and mounted for vertical movement along posts 20 withv each spindle rail 22, a spinning ring rail 26 having mounted thereon along the length of the machine a series of spinning rings 27, a control ring support bar 29 on which are mounted a series of control rings 30, and a thread guide supporting rod 32 rotatably mounted in brackets 33 on which rod is mounted a series of thread guides 34.

The spinning ring rail 26 is supported at intervals along its length by means of tapes 28 which extend along the length of the machine and are provided at intervals with extensions passing around idler pulleys 38. Each tape 28 is secured at the base end to a pulley `42 mounted on a windless, generally designated 4G and hereinafter more fully explained, which extends transversely across one end of the frame.

The control ring bar 29 is similarly supported by tapes 31 which at their base ends are secured to pulleys 43 mounted on windlass 40 and toward their outer ends are similarly provided with extensions which pass around pulleys 38.

The thread guide supporting rod brackets 33 are mounted on tapes 35, each of which also extends along the length -of the machine and is provided `at intervals with extensions which pass `around pulleys 38. The tapes 35 .are secured at their base ends to pulleys 44 mounted on windlass 40.

The illustrated machine is provided with a builder mechanism for producing the traversing movement of the yarn guiding and control elements which is similar in many respects to that shown in Anderson et al. Patent No. 3,072,350, dated J an. 8, 1963, for Builder Mechanism. As generally shown in FIG. 1, the builder mechanism comprises a builder cam 70 mounted on a builder cam shaft 71 driven by main frame motor 2S and adapted to be engaged by a follower '72 on a builder cam lever 73 extending horizontally beneath the, builder cam. The cam lever turns about a pivot 74 on'a machine bracket 75, and is connected with the lower end of an adjustable link chain '76. At its upper end the chain 76 is connected with a pick mechanism, generally designated 100 and hereinafter more fully explained, which is in turn connected by means of a link chain 78 with a pulley 46 secured to the windlass 40.

There is also connected to the windlass 40 the cornpensating tension assembly includingla torsion bar 80 which acts to rotate the windlass in a direction counter to the thread guide, control ring and spinning ring sup- .porting tapes. Said compensating tension assembly cornprises a chain 82 which is connected at its upper end to a pulley 47 mounted on windlass 40. The chain 82 extends downwardly around a guide roller `33 and is connected at its lower end to a cam member 84 which is adjustably mounted on a pivot pin 85 between a pair of arms 86 formed on a bracket 87 which is rotatably supported on a bearing member S8 and is rigidly secured at one end to torsion bar 80 to rotate therewith about the torsion bar axis. The torsion bar 80 is placed under a twisting or torsion strain which serves to exert a downward bias on the chain 82 suiiicient to overbalance the bias of the several tapes attached to windlass 4i). An adjustable stop 139 is provided for cam member 84.

The builder mechanism above generally referred to is arranged to operate in the following manner:

The builder shaft 71 and cam 70 are positively driven by motor 25 to produce a cyclical up-and-down movement of the builder cam follower lever73 to produce a reciprocatory movement of the spinning `ring rail 26, control ring bar 29 and thread guide rod 32 with a recurring winding pattern. At regular intervals during this operation, the pick mechanism 100 is operated to increase slightly the length of chain 7-8 and thereby to gradually lift the reciprocating pattern"- of winding effected by the operation of the builder cam follower 72.

For a more complete illustration and description of the builder mechanism, reference may ybe had to the Anderson et al. Patent No. 3,072,350, above referred to.

4 INVENTION According to the present invention, a novel means including hydraulic and mechanical operating means with their controls are provided for operating the spinning frame of the invention at the conclusion and initiation of the operation of winding a bobbin 24. The resulting functions at the conclusion of bobbin winding may include raising the spinning rings 27 for tip winding if desired, followed Iby lowering the spinning rings beyond their usual bottom winding position to wind a few turns of yarn around the bottom of the spindle 23, and then, for bobbin removal, further lowering the control rings 30 to a position close to the Ilowered spinning rings and tipping back the thread guides 34. Upon restarting the spinning frame with empty bobbins, the spinning rings, control rings and thread guides are automatically re4 stored to their initial bobbin winding positions, the spindle bottom wind and jogging making possible initiation of winding withiut piecing up. This complete sequence is illustrated in FIGS. 11a-c.

As shown in FIG. 1, the means for accomplishing this sequence includes a main hydraulic piston and cylinder 90 having a rack 91 for moving windlass gear `52 mounted on windlass 40, a double` ended hydraulic thread guide piston and cylinder 92 having its relatively movable ends connected to arms 36 of thread guide rod 32 for moving thread guides 34 from a horizontal to a generally vertical position, a hydraulic clutch control of pick mechanism through its inlet 166, and electric control means including a multiple cam driven switch mechanism including switches 200-1', through 8 driven from windless gear 52 by means of transverse shaft 94 having a gear 93 cooperating with windlass gear 52 and cooperating gears 96 driving vertical cam shaft 97 on which switch cams 98-1 through Sare mounted. Handle 9S is vided for manual operation of windlass gear 52.

WINDLASS The novel windlass 40 of the present invention, best shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, diiers from heretofore known windlasses to provide for movement of control rings 30 independently of the movement of the spinning ring rail 26 and thread guide rod 32 to a lowered position with respect thereto for removal of a full bobbin from its spindle. l

In this regard, the windlass of the present invention has a main shaft 50, suitably mounted for oscillation in bearmgs 49, 51 on the sprinning frame, with a countershaft in the form of a central sleeve 54 rotatably mounted thereon by spaced bearings 5'3, 55. The ring rail pulleys 42, thread guide pulleys 44, pick motion chain pulley 46 and torsion bar chain pulley 47 are all mounted -on windlass shaft 50 in lrotatable positions. Windlass gear 52 and control ring pulley 43 are mounted on rotatable .windlass sleeve 54.

A latch mechanism is provided for rotating sleeve 54 for oscillation in synchronism with windlass shaft 50 during normal operation of the spinning frame and for rotating sleeve 54 independently of shaft 50 for lowering control lrings 30 for removal of full bobbins. To accompllsh this result, a collar 58 is mounted in fixed posit1on on shaft 50 within and spaced from a surrounding cylindrical surface 56 in sleeve 54, said collar having a heart shaped latch member 60 pivotally mounted thereon by pivot member 62. yLatch member 60 is maintained with one of its lobes 519, 61 in contact with surface 56 by radially extending pin 63 which is pressed outwardly lby its spring l69 into contact with one of the angularly disposed latch surfaces 64, 66 which intersect at inner latch point 65. A recess 57 is provided on sleeve surfa-ce 56 for `receiving one lobe 59 or latch 60 and preventing further angular relative movement of windlass shaft 50 and sleeve 54 in the direction of said lobe 59 while permitting relative movement in the opposite direction toward lobe 61. Latch operating elements 67, 68

pro-

are positioned angularly spaced from -one another on sleeve surface 56 on each side of recess 57, and are slightly offset with respect to one another along the length of sleeve 54 so as to actuate the similarly offset lobes.

The operation of lthe latch mechanism is best seen from FIGS. 5 to 7. Thus, in FIG. 5, the latch mechanism is shown in its latched normal operating position with one of its lobes 59 received within recess 57 for rotating sleeve 54 in synchronism with shaft 50, sleeve 54 in effect being a countershaft `for main shaft 50. In FIG. 6, latch 60 is shown in an unlatched position caused by rotating sleeve 54 relatively to windlass shaft 50 by holding windlass shaft 50 as by contact of builder cam 70 and cam follower 72 providing a ring rail stop, while rotating gear 52 by means of handle `95 or rack 91 under the influence of piston and cylinder 90 in a direction to move latch lobe 59 toward and past latch operating element 68 to operate the latch to move pin 63 from latch surface 66 to 64 and so press lobe 61 into contact with sleeve surface 56. Sleeve 54 can then be moved in the opposite direction, with lobe 61 passing beyond recess 57 without engaging it to a position past the other latch operating element `67, when the latch is again operated sovthat its lobe 59 is again in contact with sleeve surface 56, as is shown in FIG. 7. Movement in the sameY directiomi'may continue at least until control ring Vbar 29 is in the rfully lowered position, but reverse movement will result in lobe 59 being received within recess 57 into the latched position for synchronous operation of sleeve 54 with windlass shaft 50.

PICK MOTION The pick motion mechanisinmof the present invention, as lbest shown in FIGS. 1 and"8., through 10 provides a novel hydraulically actuated clutch release operable effectively to disconnect the traversing spinning ring rails 26, control ring barsl 29 and thread guide rods 32 from the builder mechanism for additional movement of such elements to an elevated tip winding position.

' Thus, the differential pick mechanism 100 herein disclosed as embodying features of the invention comprises an input differential gear 102 mounted on a sleeve member 104 which is in turn freely rotatable on an inner sleeve 106 carried on a core shaft 108 of the pick assembly. An output differential gear 110 formed with a sleeve extension 112 yrotatable on the core shaft 108 is mounted in parallel relation to the input differential gear 102. Both said gears are provided with internal gear teeth, the output gear 110 having a slightly smaller number of teeth than the input gear 102. A divided planet gear 114 is arranged to mesh continuously with both said internal gears, being mounted to turn on a pivot 116 carried by an offset frame 118 attached to the inner sleeve 106 above referred to. The output gear 110 is normally connected to rotate a driving sleeve member 119 supported externally of the output gear 110 and sleeve F112 and normally connected to turn as a unit therewith-by means of a hydraulically operated clutch hereinafter to be described.

The position of the divided planet gear 114 with relation to the input differential gear 102 is controlled to impart an oscillatory movement to the output differential gear 110 and, in addition thereto, a stepped advancing movement of the output ldifferential gear 110 with relation to the input differential gear 102 for each oscillation of the input gear 102 through connections which include a ratchet wheel 120 secured to the inner sleeve 106 to turn as a unit with the planet gear supporting frame 118. A pair of pawls 122, 124 mounted on a stationary pivot y126 are arranged when engaged with the ratchet wheel 120 to lock the ratchet wheel 120 and planet gear supporting frame 118 against rotational movement with the input differential gear V102 so that the -planet gear 114 is caused to .rotate on its pivot to advance the output differential gear 110 ,with relation to the input differential gear 102.

The operation of the pawls '122 and 124 is controlled by means of a shield 128 secured by means of a split clamp 130 to the supporting sleeve member 104 for the input differential gear 102. The shield 128 is of substantial size causing the pawls 122, 124 to be held in a raised inoperative position at all times during reciprocatory movement of the input differential gear except for a small portion of said movement at one end of the stroke when the pawls are permitted to engage the ratchet wheel 120. Withthis arrangement, the planet gear normally moves bodily as a unit with the two input and output differential gears 102 and 110 operating as a locking device to oscillate said gears as a unit. When the ratchet w-heel 120 and planet gear supporting frame 113 are held by said engagement of said pawls 122, 124 therewith, the planet gear is rotated by the continued movement of the input differential gear 102, thus producing a small increment of advancing movement of the output differential gear 110 with relation to thevinput differential gear 102.

The arrangement of the pick mechanism, builder cam assembly, the windlass assembly, the compensating takeup mechanism and the several operating connections therebetween is such that the ove-rbalancing bias imparted by the torison bar acts normally to keep the follower 72 in operative engagement with the builder cam 70, Iand at the same time maintains a torque strain on the elements of/ the differential mechanism which is normally effective to prevent rotating or walking of the planet gear 114 with relation to the input and output differential gears during the reciprocatory movement of the input differential gear 102.

The means for automatically resetting the pick mechanism comprises a coiled rewind torsion spring 134 which Wraps around and extends along the periphery of the input andlou-tput differential gears 102 and 110, being secured at one end to a bracket 136 .on the input differential gear 102 and at its other'end to a bracket 1318 in the driven sleeve member 1119 connected to operate the windlass shaft assembly of the frame. The torsion spring 1.34 tends to rotate the driven sleeve member 1119 in the opposite direction from the 'bias exerted by the compensating torsion bar 80 to a start wind position of the pick mechanism in which the bracket 138 is moved downwardly.

In the winding of bobbins 24 on the spinning frame, the continued operation of the pick mechanism 100 will cause the continuously oscillating output differential gear and driven sleeve member 1-19 to be gradually moved ahead with relation to the continuously oscillating input differential gear 102 in the same direction as, and under the influence of the bias exerted by the compensating torsion bar 80. This movement of the driven differential gear 110 and driven sleeve member 119 with relation to the input differential gear 102 Winds the reset torsion spring 134 which as above noted is of less strength than the bias exerted by the compensating torsion bar 80. At the end of thewirnding operation the bracket 138 will have moved ahead to about the position indicated in dotand-dash lines in FIG. 8.

In the illustrated construction the output differential gear 110 is connected with the driven sleeve member 119, chain 718 and windlass shaft 40 by means of a hydraulically operated clutch release mechanism as follows:

The sleeve extension 112 of the output differential gear element 110 provides support for a sleeve clutch member 142 connected by a key 144 to turn with, and for a limited axial movement relative to, the sleeve extension 112 of output differenti'l gear 110. The sleeve clutch element 142 carries a series of clutch plates 146 which are adapted for engagement with cooperating plates mounted on the driven sleeve member 119 having connected thereto the chain 78. The` sleeve clutch member 142 is normally supported in clutching relation to the driven sleeve element 11-9 by means of Ia series of coiled compression springs 148 supported in recesses formed in an end face of the clutch element 142 for engagement with a ring stop member 1150 backed by a locking ring 152 on the sleeve extension 112. The fluid pressure operated mechanism for releasing the clutch comprises a piston and cylinder, generally designated 1-60 (FIG. 1'2) including a ring shaped plunger 162 which is supported exterior to, and is operatively connected with the clutch member 142. The ring plunger 162 is fitted into an annular groove forming a ring shaped pressure chamber in one end face of a heavy ring support 164 which forms a part of the pick mechanism casing. Fluid pressure is supplied to the face of the ring plunger 162 through an inlet fluid pressure supply line 166 which connects with the inner face of the ring shaped pressure chamber, and is thence distributed around the periphery of said chamber is an annular recess 16'8. Two O-rings 170 interposed between the side walls of the ring shaped pressure chamber and the ring plunger 162 act as pressure seals. At its left hand end Ias shown in FIG. 8 the ring plunger 162 is connected by needle thrust bearings v172 with an abutting ange 174 which is in tu-rn backed by a stop ring 1'76 fitted into .a groove in the periphery of the slidable clutch sleeve 142. With this arrangement, sleeve element 119 is free to rotate under the influence of either chain 78 or torsion spring 134.

The pick motion mechanism 100 above described with its hydraulically operated clutch release to facilitate a rapid movement of the traversing elements including the ring rail 26 to the high tip wind-ing position in general operates in the following manner:

It is assumed that the winding operation has proceeded to normal completion in which the packages or bobbins are fully wound, with the spinning ring in raised position 27-1 in FIG. 11a and in which the driven differential gear 110 is fully extended with relation to the driving differential gear 102. In this position there is normally no way in which the pick mechanisrrr including the differential gears 102, 1-10 and planet gear 114 can be operated to further extend the connections between the builder cam 70 and windlass 40 to move the spinning ring from its highest builder controlled winding position at 27-1 toits tip winding position at 27-2 (FIG. lla). At ths point the clutch pis-ton and cylinder 160 is re leased by applying ,hydraulic fluid under pressure to the cylindrically shaped clutch pressure chamber and piston 162 through line- 166, thus' disconnecting the driven sleeve 119 and chain 7 S fromnthe differential gears of the pick mechanism. The traversing elements including the ring rail 2'6 will now be movedto vthe extreme tip winding position in which cam member 84 is engaged against av stop bracket 139 on the input differential gear 102 under the influence of the torsionbar 80 and windlass 40 connected thereto. The rewind torsion spring 134 is thus still fu-rther extended.. The-windlass shaf-t and traversing elements will now be wound down to their doiiing and starting position as1 hereinafter fully described. During this wind downoperation the torsion reset spring 134 causes the driven sleeve member119 and chain 78 to be moved in the rewind direction to the initial starting position in which the element 1'38 on the sleeve driven member 119 is engaged against the stop element 136 on the input differential gear 102. The clutch is permitted to reengage only after the completion of the tip winding loperation and the traversing elements have been fully wound downl by exhausting fluid pressure by the control means from the inlet pipe 1616 hereinafter described causing the clp'tch sleeve member 160 to return to the engaged position under the influence of spring 148 and so reset.

HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT The hydraulic circuit as shown in FIG. 12 and the sequential FIGS. 13 through 2O for operating main hydraulic piston and cylinder 90, thread yguide piston and cylinder 92 and pick mechanism clutch piston and cylinder 160 derives its power from hydraulic pump and motor assembly which draws hydraulic uid from hydraulic reservoir 182 and pumps it to said cylinders through a plurality of electric solenoid operated valves and adjustable orifices as controlled by cam operated switches 200-1 through 200-8 through electrical circuitry to be hereinafter described.

The valves are shown in FIG. 12 in their normal position with the frame running solely under the influence of builder cam 70. Said valves include a 3-position main cylinder valve 184 operated from its central position shown to its two energized side positions by solenoids 184-A and 184-B, respectively, a main cylinder pilot valve 186 operated from its central position shown to its two energized positions by solenoids 186-D and 186- E, respectively, a 2-position jog valve 188 operated to its energized positionV by solenoid 18S-C, a 2-position thread guide valve 190 operated to its energized position by solenoid 190-F and a two position tip winding clutch valve 192 operated to its energized position by solenoid 192-G. Said valves are all of a type having two pairs of access lines through their housings which lines may be connected through desired flow paths by passages in the sliding valve core which may be positioned in two or three positions relatively to said access lines to provide different flow paths therebetween at predetermined times to cycle cylinders 90, 92 and 160 as desired. The structures of suitable valves is well understood and hence need not be further explained herein except as to their function as hereinafter appears.

For adjustably controlling the speed of movement of the spinning ring rail and rings 27, both during wind down' and during jogging, as is hereinafter explained in more detail, three adjustable orices are included in the hydraulic circuit, wind down orifice 194 and jog orifices 196 and 198, such being appropriately connected through valves 184, 186 and 188 to main piston and cylinder 90. The structure of such orifices is well known, and hence need not be further explained herein except as to their function in connection with the operation of the spinning frame which follows.

ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT The electrical circuit for operating hydraulic valve solenoids 184A and B, 186D and 188C, and 190F and 192G as well as main'. frame motor 25 and hydraulic pump and motor assembly 180 is shown in FIG. 2l.`

In general, it includes, connected between power terminals 208 and 210, in addition to said solenoids and motors, windlass cam driven switches 200-1 through 2008, stop, start and restart switches 202, 204 and 206, respectively, and relays 211 through 220 with their contacts similarly numbered with further identifying reference numerals. A complete description thereof appears in the description of the operation of the entire spinning frame of the invention which follows immediately.

oPERATroN The operation of the spinning frame above described, insofar as concerns the movement of its traversing yarn guiding and winding elements-spinning -rings 27, control rings 30 and thread lguides 34-relatively to a spindle 23 and bobbin 24, is shown in sequential steps in FIGS. 11a, b and c, cam operated switches 200-1 to 200-8 and restart switch 206 also being included in the sequence since the steps thereof are initiated by such switches. For clarity, the yarn guiding and control elements in FIGS. 11a, b and c are numbered with additional identifying numerals which correspond to their position following operation by each one of the switches numbered 200-1 through 8, the path of motion of spinning ring 27 is shown as a dotted line, and the corresponding hydraulic diagram of FIGS. 12 to 20 of the hydraulic circuit in the particular lcondition effected by the operation of one of said switches is positioned below the appropriate sequential step of FIGS. lla, b and c.

Referring now to FIG. lla, FIG. 12 and FIG. 21, the various elements are shown in their normal operating condition under the sole influence of builder cam 70 and pick mechanism 100, as biased by the torsion bar 80 which acts -as a counter force mechanism, the main shaft 50 l.and sleeve countershaft 54 of windlass 40 being latched for oscillating movement in synchronism and pick mechanism clutch engaged so that the spinning frame is operating in a conventional manner approaching a fully wound bobbin condition with the spinning ring 27 being reciprocated'along the upper end of bobbin 24 and gradually being advanced upwardly therealong bythe pick mechanism 100. The switch cam shaft 97 is being similarly reciprocated. Y

When the bobbin 24 has been wound to the extent desired, such will be sensed by the preset condition of switch cam 98-1, which will at that time have advanced far enough'to operate normally open switch 200-1 and begin the operation of the spinning frame mechanism with which the present invention is concerned.

Switch 200-1 starts the-hydraulicpump motor 180 through contacts 212-1 by energizing relay 212 through normally closed contacts 219- and normally closed switch 200-5.' It also operates parallel contact 212-2 to keep relay 212 energized when switch 200-1 is released.

The position of the ring rail 27-1 (FIG. 11a) is shown in its normally most elevated position at this time, a more elevated position being achieved only if tip winding is to be used.

Switch 200-2 'operates upon the next builder motion cycle to energize relay 213 by reason of the previous closing of contacts 212-2. Its contacts 213-4 energize solenoid 186-E to provide hydraulic uid to the input ports of the other valves. Relay 213 operates contacts 213-1 to maintain itself energized. Its'contacts 213-3 energize pick mechanism clutch solenoid 192-G for ow of hydraulic lluid to pick mechanism clutch piston and cylinder 160 to disengage its clutch so that the spinning ring will be raised to a higher position at 27-2, as explained above with reference to the operation of pick mechanism 100, for Winding a number of turns of yarn on the tip of the bobbin at 24-2. FIG.13 shows the hydraulic circuit in this condition with the tip winding position of the spinning ring being shown at 27-2 of FIG. 11a.

After a predetermined time for winding the desired number of tip turns, time delay contacts 213-2 operate to energize relay 214 which locks itself in by contacts 214-1. Contacts 214-2 close and energize solenoid 184- A. Contacts 214-3 have no function at this time since they are 'in parallelwith contacts 213-4 which are already closed. Contacts 214-4 also close but have no function at this point. Solenoid 184-A moves valve 184 to provide hydraulic fluid under pressure to the top of windlass piston 90 to move the spinning ring down, the hydraulic fluid passing through adjustable winddown orice 194 so that the speed of winddown and hence the number of turns of yarn Wound on bobbin 24 during winddown can be predetermined. FIG. 14shows the hydraulic circuit in this condition.

About this time contacts 214-5 open to cut olf power to main frame motor 25 which causes the spindle at position 23-3 to slow down and stop after the spinning ring reaches its lowered bottom position at 27-3 to provide a few Wraps of yarn around Athe bottom of the spindle at 27-3 so that the spindle can subsequently be restarted with a new bo-bbin without the necessity of piecing up the yarn.

When the spinning ring reaches its-bottom position at 27-3, as shown in FIG. lla, switch 200-3 is operated by its cam 98-2. It energiz'es relay 215 which latches in through contacts 2'15-2. Contacts 21S-1 open, deenergizing solenoid 186-A which shifts' valve 186 to stop hydraulic piston and cylinder 90 in its lowered position (FIG. 15). Contacts 21S-3 are closed but are without power since contacts 215-1 are open. When relay 215 times out to give main frame motor 25 time to stop, contacts 215-4 are opened, deenergizing solenoid 192-G to move valve 192 for release of hydraulic fluid from pick mechanism piston and cylinder for reengagement of its clutch (FIG. l5) in the reset condition of the pick mechanism. Solenoid 186-E of valve 186 is also deenergized at this time. Contacts 21S-5 then close to energize solenoid 1-84-B through contacts 214-6, 215-5, 216-1, and 21S-3, and solenoid 186-E is again energized. The energization of solenoids 184-B and 186-E shifts valves 184 and 186 and causes main cylinder 90 to go up (FIG. 16), lifting the control ring and spinning ring to positions at 30-4 and 27-4 (FIG. 1lb) until the ring rail 27 is stopped by builder cam follower 72 having come into contact with builder cam 70 (FIG. l) while the control ring bar 29 continues to rise. Relative movement is thus produced between the windlass main shaft 50 and sleeve countershaft 54, operating releasable latch 60 to swing it to its unlatched position and release it as explained above in connection with the operation of windlass 40 (FIGS. 5-7).

After control ring bar 29 has been raised beyond the unlatch point, cam 98-4 operates switch 200-4 which energizes relay 216, which latches in through its contacts 216-2. Contacts 216-3 also close but nothing happens at this point because contacts 215-4 are open. Contacts 216-1 open, dropping out solenoid 184-B, shifting valve 184 which stops further upward movement of main cylinder 90. Contacts 216-5 then close, energizing solenoid 188-C through closed contacts 214-4. Valve 188 is thus shifted, oppning up a bypass through adjustable orifice 198 sofhydraulic fluid can ow from main cylinder 90 as the control rings drops by gravity to a lowered position at 30-5 adjacent to the spinning ring position at 27-5 for bobbin clearance. At the same time solenoid -F5`is operated by contacts 216-5, shifting valve 190 for flow of pressurized hydraulic uid to thread guide cylinder 92, tilting the thread guide arm back to a raised thread guide position at 34-5. The condition of the hydraulic circuit at this point appears in FIG. 17. Whenrwthe control ring reaches its down position, at 30-5 (FIG. 1lb), switch 200-5 is operated, since the rotation of its cam shaft 97 is synchronized with that of windlass sleeve 54. Switch 200-5 stops hydraulic pump motor 180, and drops out contacts 212-2 and relays 213, 214 and 215 so their contacts shift.

The frame is now in condition to be doffed by either manual or machine replacement of the full bobbins with empty bobbins, the spinning ring, control ring, and thread guide being positioned for bobbin clearance at 27-5, 30-5, and 34-5, respectively, as shown in FIG. 11b.

With the full bobbins replaced by empty bobbins, the frame is restarted by pushing restart switch 206 either manually or by the automatic dolfer. This energizes relays 217 and 218, locking them in through contacts 217-1 and 218-1. Contacts 218-2 and 217-2 also close to `energize relay 212 to start hydraulic pump and motor 180 through its contacts 12-1. Contacts 218-1 close energizing solenoid 186-D, operating valve 136 so that hydraulic fluid under pressure passes through the adjustable jog down control orifice 196. Contacts 217-4 open, deenergizing solentid 190-F and shifting valve 190 to operate thread guide cylinder 92 to return the thread -guide to its normal position at 34-6. Contacts 217-3 close, energizing solenoid 184-B .and shifting valve 184. This causes main cylinder 90 to go up, raising the control ring bar 29 and rotating windlass sleeve 54 relatively to its shaft 50 until latch 60 operates to once more latch the windlass elements upon being received in its recess 57. Further raising of cylinder 90 rotates cam shaft 97 su'iciently to close switch 2410-6 which operates relay 219 which locks in .through its contacts 219-4. Contacts 219-1 open, deenergizing solenoid 184-B, shifting valve 1 l 184 and stopping further upward motion of cylinder 90. FIG. 18 shows the hydraulic circuit at this point and FIG. 11C the raised spinning ring at 27-6, control ring at 30-6 and thread guide at 34-6. Contacts 219-2 close, restarting main frame drive motor 25 to again rotate spindles 23 and builder cam 70.

With the frame starting up to wind yarn onto the empty bobbins, the jogging of the spinning rings is initiated between spinning ring positions 27-7 and 27-8 (FIG. 11C) to prevent yarn breakage as the spindles accelerate to full speed. This takes place upon the closing of contacts 219-3 energizing solenoid 184-A and shifting valve v184 which causes main cylinder 90 slowly to go down, with fluid passing through the adjustable down jog orice 196 to the bottom winding position of the spinning ring at 27-7 (FIGS. 19 and llc) until switch 2430-7 is operated.

Switch 208-7 energizes relay 220 which latches in through its contacts 220-1. Its contacts 220-2 open, deenergizing solenoid \184A and shifting valve 184 which stops cylinder 90. Contacts 220-4 close, energizing solenoid 188-C, shifting valve 188 which bypasses hydraulic fluid through the adjustable up jog orifice 198. Contacts 220-3 close, energizing solenoid 184-B which shifts valve 184 and causes main cylinder 90-to go up, 'but slowly, at a predetermined rate since the hydraulic fluid must pass through adjustable up jog oriiice 198.`QFIG. 18 shows this condition of the hydraulic circuit.

Switch 200-8 operates at the top of cylinder travel,

and deenergizes relay 220, the contacts 220-1 of which deenergize solenoid '184-B, shifting valve 184; contacts 220-4 deenergize solenoid 18S-C, shitting valve 188, and contacts 220-2 energize solenoid 184-A, lwhich shifts valve 184 causing piston and =cylinder`90 to go down until switch 200-7 again operates, this down condition of the hydraulic circuit being shown in FIG. 19.

This jogging cycle as controlled by-switches 200-7 and 200-8 repeats for a limited time until timer relay Q19 times out, upon which ocurrence its contacts 219- open, shutting off hydraulic motor 180 and resetting all contacts for next doff cycle.

The spinning fra-me continues running under effect of builder cam 70 alone, with cylinder: 90 deenergized as shown in FIG. until switch 200-1 is again actuated.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the spinning, twisting and the like frames of the invention is susceptible to modification. For example, it is contemplated that the tip winding function may not be needed in a particular frame, in which case its operating elements including the pick mechanism clutch and its controls may be omitted. Certain aspects of the invention are applicable to other types of textile frames than that described, for example, in which the spindles rather than the spinning rings are traversed, and in such case the control rings and their operating elements and controls are unnecessary. Other elements, such as the positioning of control switches and the type of uid drive may also be modified, all of the above recited modifications and others as well being 'within the scope of the invention and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a spinning trarne and the like having means for building bobbins including spindles, `bobbins on said spindles, yarn traversing and guiding elements including spinning rings, and means for rotating said spindles,

automatic control and operating mechanism comprising: 1

a builder motion mechanism, providing traversing movement of said spinning rings,

a counter force mechanism,

a windlass mechanism connected between said builder motion mechanism and said counter force mechanism for oscillating said windlass mechanism in synchronism with said builder motion mechanism,

12 said spinning rings being connected to said windlass mechanism for traversing said spinning rings in synchronism with said windlass mechanism,

fluid power operating means for operating said windlass mechanism, said operating means rotating said windlass mechanism for moving said spinning rings downwardly independently of said builder motion mechanism,

control means initiating operation of said operating means when said bobbins are fully built rst automatically to lower said spinning rings, and

automatically to stop rotation of said spindles,

restart means operable to start rotation of said spindles and said builder motion mechanism to produce tra` versing of said spinning rings after replacing full bobbins with empty bobbins.

said control means operating said operating means automatically to locate said spinning rings in an initial bobbin winding position.

2. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid power operating means includes adjustable means for varying the rate of moving said spinning rings downwardly.

3. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control means initiates operation of said operating means when said bobbins are fully built to lower said spinning rings to a bottom winding position beyond the bobbins to wind yarn around the spindles.

4. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 1, further including means operable automatically by said control means when said bobbins are fully built automatically rst to shift said spinning rings to a tip winding position at the upper tip of the bobbin to wind yarn around the upper tip of the bobbin.

5. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control means operates said operating means to jog said spinning rings by reciprocating said operating means and said spinning rings upon initiation of rotation of said spindles. 6. In a spinning frame `and the like as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fluid power operating means includes adjustable means for varying the rate of reciprocation of said operating means and spinning rings.

7. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 6, wherein said adjustable means includes means for independently varying the upward and downward rate of said reciprocation.

8. In a spinning frame and the like having means for building bobbins including spindles, bobbins on said spindles, yarn traversing and guiding elements including spinning rings 4and yarn control rings, and means for rotating said spindles,

automatic controlV and operating mechanism comprising:

a builder motion mechanism', providing traversing movement of said spinning rings and yarn control ringsk a counter force mechanism, v

a windlass mechanism having a main shaft, a

countershaft rotatable relatively thereto, and releasable means connecting said shafts for synchronous rotation of said main shaft and said countershaft when said releasable means connects said shafts and relatively free rotation thereof when said releasable means releases said shafts from one another,

said main shaft being connected between said builder motion mechanism and said counter force mechanism for oscillating said main shaft in synchronism with said builder motion mechanism,

said spinning rings being connected to said windlass mechanism main shaft for traversing said spinning rings in synchronism with said main shaft, and

said yarn control rings being connected to said windlass mechanism countershaft for traversing said yarn control Arings in synchronism with said countershaft,

tluid power countershaft operating means for operating said windlass countershaft,

said countershaft operating means rotating said countershaft for moving said spinning rings and said control rings downwardly independently of said builder motion mechanism, when said releasable means connects said main shaft and said countershaft and additionally for traversing said control rngsindependently of said spinning rings upon release of said releasable means to lower said control rings to a lowered position adjacent said spinning rings facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles,

control means initiating operation of said countershaft operating means when said Vbobbins are fully built automatically to lower said spinning rings, and

to lower said control rings independently of said spinning rings to said lowered position adjacent said spinning rings facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles, said control means operating automatically to stop rotation of said spindles,

restart means operable to start rotation of said spindles and said builder motion mechanism to produce traversing after replacing fullV bobbins with empty bobbins,

said control means operating said countershaft operating means automatically to shift said control rings to an initial bobbin winding position after operation of said restart means.

9. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 8 further including thread guides and l thread guide fluid power operating means operable to move said thread guides to a position remote from their running position facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles,

said control means operating said thread guide fluid power operating means to move said thread guides to said remote position afterlstopping of rotation of said spindles, and to return said thread guides to said running position after operation of said restart means.

10. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 9, wherein said countershaft operating means operates said releasable means.

11. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 9, further including stop means preventing rotation of said windlass mechanism main shaft beyond a main shaft position corresponding to a maximum raised position of said spinning rings, and

wherein said countershaft operating means operates said releasable means upon rotation of said countershaft means in one direction to a countershaft position beyond said main shaft position, said countershaft upon operation of said releasable means being free to move relatively to said main shaft in the opposite direction to said one direction for movement of said control rings by gravity to said lowered position.

12. In a spinning frame or the like as claimed in claim 11, wherein said releasable means includes a two position latch means operating in said one direction alternately to release and to connect said shafts.

13. In a spinning frame or the like as claimed in claim 12, wherein said countershaft is a sleeve surrounding said main shaft, and said latch means is interposed therebetween.

14. In a spinning frame and the like having means for building bobbins including spindles, bobbins on said spindles, yarn traversing and guiding elements including spinning rings and yarn control rings, and means for rotating said spindles,

automatic control and operating mechanism comprising:

a builder motion mechanism, providing traversing movement of said spinning rings and yarn control rings,

a counter force mechanism,

a windlass mechanism having a main shaft, a

countershaft rotatable relatively thereto, and releasable means connecting said shafts for synchronous rotation of said main shaft and said countershaft when said releasable means connects said shafts and relatively free rotation thereof when said releasable means releases said shafts from one another,

said main-shaft being connected between said builder motion mechanism and said counter force mechanism for oscillating said main shaft in synchronism with said builder motion mechanism, j t

said spinning rings being connected to said windlass mechanism main shaft for traversing said spinning rings in synchronism with said main shaft, and t said yarn control rings being connected to said windlass mechanism countershaft for traversing said yarn control rings in synchronism with said countrshaft,

uid power countershaft operating means for operating said windlass countershaft,

said countershaft operating rneans rotating said countershaft for moving said spinning rings and said control rings downwardly independently of said builder motion mechanism, when said releasable means connects said main shaft and said countershaft and additionally for traversing said control rings independently of said spinning rings uponV release of said releasable means to lower said control rings to a lowered position adjacent said spinning rings facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles,

control means initiating operation of said countershaft operating means when said bobbins are fully built automatically to lower said spinning rings to a bottom winding position beyond the bobbins to wind yarn around the spindles, and

next automatically to lower said control rings independently of said spinning rings to said lowered position adjacent said spinning rings facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles, said control means operating automatically .to stop rotation of said spindles after winding yarn around said spindles,

restart means operable to start rotation of said spindles and said builder motion mechanism to produce traversing after replacing full bobbins with empty bobbins,

said control` means operating said countershaft operating means automatically to shift said spinning rings to an initial bobbin winding position, to shift said control rings to an initial bobbin winding position after operation of said means operable to start rotation of said spindles and to jog said elements by reciprocating said operating means and said spinning rings upon initiation of rotation of said spindles.

15. In a spinning frame and the like as claimed in claim 14, wherein said uid power operating means includes,

adjustable means for varying the rate of moving said spinning rings downwardly and for varying the rate of jogging said spinning rings.

16. In a spinning frame and the like having means for building bobbins including spindles, bobbins on said spindles, yarn traversing and guiding elements including spinning rings and yarn control rings, and means for rotating said spindles,

automatic control and operating mechanism comprising:

a builder motion mechanism, providing traversing movement of said spinning rings and yarn control rings,

a builder cam and a resettable pick mechanism having a relesable clutch,

a counter force mechanism,

a windlass mechanism having a main shaft, a

countershaft rotatable relatively thereto, and releasable means connecting said shafts for synchronous rotation of said main shaft and said countershaft when said releasable means connects said shafts and relatively free rotation thereof when said releasable means releases said shafts from one another,

said main shaft being connected between said builder motion mechanism and said counter force mechanism for oscillating said main shaft in synchronism with said builder motion mechanism,

said spinning rings being connected to said windlass mechanism main shaft for traversing said spinning rings in synchronism with said main shaft, and

said yarn control rings being connected to said windlass mechanism countershaft for traversing said yarn control rings in synchronism with said countershaft,

fluid power countershaft operating means for operating said windlass countershaft,

said countershaft operating means rotating said countershaft for moving said spinning rings and said control rings upwardly independently of said traversing builder motion mechanism upon release of said clutch and downwardly independently of said builder motion mechanism, when said releasable means connects said main shaft and said countershaft and additionally for traversing said control rings independently of said spinning rings upon release of said releasable means to lower said control rings to a lowered position adjacent said spinning rings facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles,

control means initiating operation of said countershaft operating means when said bobbins are fully built rst automatically to raise said spinning rings to a tip winding position to wind yarn around the tips of said bobbins and then to lower said spinning rings to a bottom winding position beyond the bobbins to Wind yarn around the spindles, and

next automatically to lower said control rings independently of said spinning rings to a lowered position adjacent said spinning rings facilitating removal of full bobbins from said spindles, said control means operating automatically to stop rotation of said spindles after winding yarn around said spindles,

restart means operable to start rotation of said spindles and said builder motion mechanism to produce traversing after replacing full bobbins with empty bobbins,

said control means operating said countershaft operating means automatically to shift said spinning rings to an initial bobbin winding position, to shift said control rings to an initial bobbin winding position after operation of said means operable to start rotation of said spindles and to jog said elements by reciprocating said operating means and said spinning rings upon initiation of rotation of said spindles.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS l/1963 Anderson et al. 242-26.l 1/1966 Pray et al. 242-264 FRANK J. COHEN, Primary Examiner.

w. s. BURDEN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. IN A SPINNING FRAME AND THE LIKE HAVING MEANS FOR BUILDING BOBBINS INCLUDING SPINDLES, BOBBINS ON SAID SPINDLES, YARN TRAVERSING AND GUIDING ELEMENTS INCLUDING SPINNING RINGS, AND MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SPINDLES, AUTOMATIC CONTROL AND OPERATING MECHANISM COMPRISING: A BUILDER MOTION MECHANISM, PROVIDING TRAVERSING MOVEMENT OF SAID SPINNING RINGS, A COUNTER FORCE MECHANISM, A WINDLASS MECHANISM CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID BUILDER MOTION MECHANISM AND SAID COUNTER FORCE MECHANISM FOR OSCILLATING SAID WINDLASS MECHANISM IN SYNCHRONISM WITH SAID BUILDER MOTION MECHANISM, SAID SPINNING RINGS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID WINDLASS MECHANISM FOR TRAVERSING SAID SPINNING RINGS IN SYNCHRONISM WITH SAID WINDLASS MECHANISM, FLUID POWER OPERATING MEANS FOR OPERATING SAID WINDLASS MECHANISM, SAID OPERATING MEANS ROTATING SAID WINDLASS MECHANISM FOR MOVING SAID SPINNING RINGS DOWNWARDLY INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID BUILDER MOTION MECHANISM, CONTROL MEANS INITIATING OPERATION OF SAID OPERATING MEANS WHEN SAID BOBBINS ARE FULLY BUILT FIRST AUTOMATICALLY TO LOWER SAID SPINNING RINGS, AND AUTOMATICALLY TO STOP ROTATION OF SAID SPINDLES, RESTART MEANS OPERABLE TO START ROTATION OF SAID SPINDLES AND SAID BUILDER MOTION MECHANISNM TO PRODUCE TRAVERSING OF SAID SPINNING RINGS AFTER REPLACING FULL BOBBINS WITH EMPTY BOBBINS. SAID CONTROL MEANS OPERATING SAID OPERATING MEANS AUTOMATICALLY TO LOCATE SAID SPINNING RINGS IN AN INITIAL BOBBIN WINDING POSITION. 